Infanterie Sturmabzeichen L/56

**Element7** · 10-04-2013, 01:43 AM

Hello,

Here is another Infanterie Sturmabzeichen in Bronze(at lest I think its Bronze) by Funcke & Bruninghaus and is marked L/56. This is the heaviest badge in my collection and unlike the others its totally flat.

There is a little dirt on the badge so I was wondering what you guys thought regarding whether to remove it or leave it be? I feel confident enough to clean it off without disrupting the finish or patina in any way but I wanted to hear some opinions from other collectors. My only concern is if left on would it eventually contribute to any accelerated corrosion?

Thanks for looking!

Kirby

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-04-2013 01:43 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**big ned** · 10-04-2013, 11:12 AM

Hi Kirby,

That's a nice roundwire catch F&B that's seen it's share of action i'll bet!

The badge would be best left as is imo, it looks stabilised, and you'd only be taking off the history of the badge and where it's been. It's not hurting, so leave it as is I would say.

Regards, Ned.

**Adrian** · 10-04-2013, 01:00 PM

I completely agree with Ned's viewpoint. There is nothing on the badge that I would say needs cleaning, it is the evidence of time, not dirt.

**Element7** · 10-04-2013, 02:13 PM

Thanks guy's, I appreciate your advice and will leave it be.

Kirby

**fischer** · 10-05-2013, 03:42 AM

Hi Kirby

I can only agree with Ned's analysis of your nice L/56 Funcke & Bruninghaus example.
The F&BL examples are one of the largest zinc solids in the IAB world and I have a couple that weigh over 39 grams.

Myself, I would also leave the badge itself the way it is; I do not see any zinc pest, etc. that would necessitate cleaning.
But, I would apply a light coat of Vaseline to the badge pin, catch and hinge and slow down the rusting process on the hardware. Just my .02 cents

Best Regards, fischer